Introduction 

Imagine this:

You’re in a room with 50 of your IEEE peers—engineers, technologists, educators, and industry leaders—united by a shared mission to advance technology for humanity. The energy is palpable, but there’s a challenge: despite this collective talent, IEEE’s membership growth is plateauing, and engagement is declining.

Now, envision something transformative. What if each of you committed to recruiting just one new member and mentoring them to become an active and engaged IEEE participant?

Before we dive in, let’s reflect on how IEEE itself began.

A Legacy of Visionaries

IEEE, the world’s largest technical organization, didn’t start as the global powerhouse it is today. It began with a small group of visionaries—a handful of engineers and technologists who saw the immense potential of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Their mission was simple: to create a community where ideas could flourish and innovation could thrive.

From those humble beginnings, IEEE grew exponentially, fueled by mentorship, leadership, and shared purpose. One member connected with another, one group inspired another, and their collective efforts sparked a movement.

Today, with over 400,000 members worldwide, we have inherited their legacy. And the question we must ask ourselves is this: What if we could recreate that same spirit of mentorship and growth in our own time?

The Ripple Effect of One Mentor

Consider this: you, as an IEEE member, recruit one person this year—a young professional, a university student, or a curious colleague. You don’t just sign them up; you mentor them. You invite them to events, involve them in projects, and guide them to discover their passions within IEEE. They thrive, becoming active and engaged.

Now imagine they do the same. By next year, there are two new active members. In year three, that number doubles again. The community isn’t just growing; it’s evolving into a thriving ecosystem of innovation, mentorship, and engagement.

This concept mirrors Metcalfe’s Law, which states that the value of a network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users. Each new member doesn’t just add value—they multiply it. In this context, each recruit brings unique ideas, skills, and opportunities for collaboration, making the network exponentially more powerful.

However, Dunbar’s Number reminds us of the importance of meaningful relationships. Human cognition limits us to maintaining around 150 stable connections. While our network can grow exponentially, its success depends on fostering deep, impactful mentorship relationships within that growth.

What If This Scale Was Global?

Now let’s expand this scenario. IEEE has over 400,000 members worldwide. If every active and engaged member recruited just one person annually and mentored them to do the same, the growth would be exponential:

  • Year 1: 400,000 members become 800,000.
  • Year 2: 800,000 members grow to 1.6 million.
  • Year 3: 1.6 million becomes 3.2 million.

In just a few years, IEEE wouldn’t just be the world’s largest technical organization; it would be an unparalleled force for global impact, innovation, and mentorship.

Why This Thought Experiment Works

The idea is simple yet transformative: instead of relying solely on large-scale recruitment campaigns, focus on mentorship. Here’s why:

  1. Mentorship Builds Engagement: New members often join but disengage due to a lack of direction. Mentorship ensures they feel supported and valued.
  2. Technology Inspires Action: IEEE members excel at solving complex problems. Guiding a recruit through their first project—whether it’s using AI-assisted tools, developing renewable energy systems, or presenting at a conference—creates lasting connections.
  3. Leadership by Example: People are inspired by action. Your leadership sets the tone for recruits to emulate.

This approach isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth and innovation.

What If IEEE Became the Mentorship Leader?

Now, let’s take the thought experiment further. What if IEEE sections embraced technology to amplify mentorship?

Picture this:

  • An IEEE Life Member guiding a recruit using AI-powered tools to visualize their ideas. Together, they build an interactive simulation of a smart city or an energy grid.
  • A sophomore engineering student leading a team to victory in a Global Grand Challenges Competition, thanks to mentorship rooted in collaboration and creativity.
  • An entire section hosting workshops where members use AI-assisted multimedia content to make STEM accessible to underserved communities.

These scenarios aren’t hypothetical—they’re already happening. The IEEE Pikes Peak Section, for example, has integrated mentorship into its core, aligning its strategic plan with exponential growth through leadership by example. Their members aren’t just leading; they’re empowering others to lead.

What’s Stopping You?

Perhaps you’re skeptical. You’ve been part of IEEE for years, seen initiatives come and go, and wonder: will this one make a difference? The answer lies in a single question:

What if you’re the mentor who sparks a chain reaction?

Mentorship isn’t a task—it’s a legacy. The recruit you inspire today could become the innovator who develops the next groundbreaking technology. They could lead a team, win a competition, or even join IEEE leadership themselves. And it all starts with you.

The Skeptic’s Challenge

If you’re still unconvinced, consider a reverse thought experiment: What happens if we don’t act? Membership stagnates. Engagement declines. The same brilliant minds who could shape the future lose momentum, and IEEE’s ability to lead in a rapidly evolving world diminishes.

Now compare that to the vision we’ve explored: a global network of thriving, engaged members, each inspired by someone like you. A world where mentorship and innovation ripple outward, transforming communities and lives.

The Call to Action: Make It Real

Here’s your challenge:

  1. Recruit One Member: Identify someone with potential—a student, a colleague, or a peer—and introduce them to IEEE.
  2. Mentor with Purpose: Guide them to explore their interests. Show them how to utilize IEEE’s resources, connect with the community, and contribute meaningfully.
  3. Inspire Them to Do the Same: By your example, encourage them to recruit and mentor someone else.

This isn’t just a thought experiment—it’s a plan. The tools are here, the strategy is proven, and the future is waiting.

A Legacy Worth Continuing

IEEE’s founding visionaries didn’t just create an organization—they started a movement. Their commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and innovation built the foundation for what IEEE is today. Now, it’s our turn to carry that legacy forward.

The question is: Will you take the first step?

IEEE has always been about advancing technology for humanity. Today, we ask you to advance something equally powerful: the human connection that fuels innovation, one mentor at a time.

What If You Changed Everything? Let’s find out.

Author’s Notes